What's Happening in Cape Town, Western Cape…

In the digital age the printed business card remains one of the most important tools for networking and business introductions. Professionals often need to exchange contact details at business meetings, events or conferences and a business card can be the first impression that a potential client gets of your company.

Basic Specifications for Business Cards

There are 2 standard sizes most commonly used:

The above sizes and card types are universally accepted and understood by printers. Business Cards can be printed either in portrait or landscape layouts, with landscape being the most common option. It is quite popular to Print smaller variations but be careful of straying too far from the standard business card format in order to maintain a professional standard.

By far the bulk of Business Cards are printed digitally and on 350gms coated art card as this brings out the best in the colours.
Customers that do not want the coated or ”glossy” finish can opt for the uncoated look and feel of ivory board which comes in smooth and various textures (most popular being linen). Ivory board is generally whiter than art paper which can give a cleaner finish with the right design.

Of course there is a multitude of other speciality card and recycled card that could give that something extra to make your business card stand out. Your local printer should be able to show you samples of cards so that you can choose the right look and feel.

Business Card Designs

The selected card and finish must complement the design e.g. the impact of an upmarket speciality card (a feature in itself) may be wasted if there is a lot of ink coverage or the card is being laminated. Consult our design team for all aspects of design and card selection.

Printing Process - facts & myths

There is often a perception that litho (off-set) printed Business Cards are a superior quality than digitally printed cards.
Minuteman Press prints both litho and on top of the range digital prints in-house. The quality is comparable and your printing method may be relient on your design decisions.

Digital printing does not have the same set up costs as litho printing. Thus for smaller runs, digital printing can be more cost effective. There is also more flexibility and quicker turnaround.

Litho printing becomes necessary when:

Litho Printing may require longer turnaround times and significantly higher unit costs on small batches.

Finishing

There are a number of finishing options that will make sure that a recipient takes a second look at your card. These options and their costs need to be weighed up against the costs as they may become more affordable with larger printing runs.

What is a long or a short run? Well, how long is a piece of string? Let us quote and you decide. Our in house graphic designers can help you design and Print the right Business Cards to suit your professional needs.

For more information about business card printing, contact Minuteman Press in Cape Town!